EST. 2011 BY LIZ RUEVEN
Chewy Tahini Brownies & the Joy of Sababa Cookbook
From SABABA by ADEENA SUSSMAN, published by AVERY, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2019 by ADEENA SUSSMAN

Chewy Tahini Brownies & the Joy of Sababa Cookbook

Adeena Sussman’s latest cookbook, Sababa Fresh Sunny Flavors from my Israeli Kitchen, joyfully crosses many borders, much like those who live and eat in her adopted land. With great gusto, she shares recipes and stories rooted in family, season, friendship and place.

Want to add something unexpected to your Rosh HaShanah dessert selection? Scroll down to recipe for Chewy Tahini Blondies.♥

Sussman’s effervescent headnotes and easy to follow recipes transport home cooks to her world in Tel Aviv where she shops the colorful outdoor markets. Her writing transports us to her local Shuk HaCarmel right in her own neighborhood. As she chats with vendors hawking salty cheeses, a vast array of olives, mounds of ripe tomatoes and mountains of honey sweetened pastries, she absorbs their knowledge and passions.

Sababa cookbook Kosher Like Me
From SABABA by ADEENA SUSSMAN, published by AVERY, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2019 by ADEENA SUSSMAN

Sababa is a celebration of the distinctive cuisine that has evolved in Israel as a result of immigration. Currently, it’s Jewish and Arabic residents come from more than 100 places.

Like the loose definition of the slang word, sababa, that’s awesome.

Sussman begins her exploration with a helpful chapter on spices, condiments and kitchen staples, most of which are referred to again in the essential shopping guide at the end.

I am charmed by the deeply multi-cultural aspects of these recipes that sometimes refer back to her California childhood. But most often, she tells stories of a recipe’s connection to one of her many friends we enjoy meeting in her colorful voice.

Sababa Cookbook Kosher Like Me
From SABABA by ADEENA SUSSMAN, published by AVERY, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2019 by ADEENA SUSSMAN

The Freekeh Vegetable Soup is elevated by our introduction to Khalifa, an Arab mini-mart owner, who was so charmed by her interest in this native cracked wheat they he delivers it to her directly from his Mom’s source in East Jerusalem.

Other soups, like the Persian Chickpea and Chicken Meatball Soup suddenly have me yearning for soup weather. Sussman learned how to make this soup from her friend Rottem, a Persian cookbook author and restauranteur. Sussman’s writing is so vivid that it practically delivers wafts of turmeric and rose petals from the page.

Sababa cookbook Kosher Like Me
From SABABA by ADEENA SUSSMAN, published by AVERY, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2019 by ADEENA SUSSMAN

Having been to Israel to visit my husband’s family more than 40 times, I relate to her enthusiasm as I’ve explored so many of these unique flavors myself. When she refers to Israeli skepticism as she whipped up an avocado based Green Goddess dressing to pair with Grilled Chicken and corn salad, I laughed out loud as I imagined the sidelong glances I know so well.

sababa chicken Kosher Like Me
From SABABA by ADEENA SUSSMAN, published by AVERY, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2019 by ADEENA SUSSMAN

Sussman’s commitment to flavors and ingredients rooted in the multi-cultural flavors in Israel makes this cookbook a unique, joyful and drool-worthy read. If you’re sharing autumn holidays with folks who love Israeli cooking, this book would make an awesome gift.

SABABA!

Kosher note: All recipes in this book are kosher although the symbols for meat, dairy and pareve are not present.

Watch for our cookbook giveaway of Adeena Sussman’s Sababa Fresh, Sunny Flavors from My Israeli Kitchen later this week. Not willing to take your chances in our giveaway? Order your copy here.

Rosh Hashana cocktail Sababa Kosher Like Me
All photos and recipe are from SABABA by ADEENA SUSSMAN, published by AVERY, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2019 by ADEENA SUSSMAN

All photos and recipe are from SABABA by ADEENA SUSSMAN, published by AVERY, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2019 by ADEENA SUSSMAN

Soom brand tahini is my fave brand; I recommend using it in the recipe below. You can order it here.

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